Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You should 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.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. 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, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story 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 sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."