Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"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 descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

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

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."