Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"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 banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

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

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

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."