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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing 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 hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "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 implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

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

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."