Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened 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 debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

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

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing 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 responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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