Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject 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 definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue competing, 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 simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," 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 harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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