Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

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

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

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

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

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called 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 disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

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

Burrell, who grew up 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 help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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