Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You be so pleased 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 effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."