Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

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

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story 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 sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."