Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" 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 have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told 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 the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given considerable attention on diversity 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 classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You 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.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share 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 game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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