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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

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

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter 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 begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen 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 introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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