Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."