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

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, 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 filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

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

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."