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

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated 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 arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures 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 considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, 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 father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."