Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically 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 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" 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 environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I 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 family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."