Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

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

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

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

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

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"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 comfortable others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."