Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

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

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body 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 given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."