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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

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

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."