Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

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

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All 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 players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

"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 finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."