Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," 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 incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport 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 continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," 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 achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."