Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed 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 have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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 seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased 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 ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue 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 sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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