Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby 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 really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen 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 elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing 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 fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."