Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine 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 sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

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

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."