Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

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

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

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

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, 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 seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out 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 chains would be placed."

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

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

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

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

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."