Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation 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 allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable 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 called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."