Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed 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 have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised 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 standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness 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 harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, 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 shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free 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 continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."