Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed 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 absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud 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 finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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