Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

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

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

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

At that time 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 really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

"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.

"I 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 dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

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

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

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

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