Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation 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 discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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 problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to believe 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 go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene 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.

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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