Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

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

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have done," 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 finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."