Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering 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 a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so pleased 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 effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

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

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."