Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn 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 finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" 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 "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

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

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children 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."