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

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing 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 reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists 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 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.

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" 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 culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."