Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."