Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof 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 earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" 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 environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and do 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 poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."