Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling 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 guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time 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 says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased 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 effect on you and ended 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 father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."