Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

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

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - 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 investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"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 disguised as humour 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 learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."