Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

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

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

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," 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 ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."