Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, 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 explained to media outlets.

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

"This situation 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 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

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

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player 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 implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."