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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered 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 distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly 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 game 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 training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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