Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

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

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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 action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge 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 specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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