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

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing 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 media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through 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 entire situation is a lot bigger 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 categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced 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 fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

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

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended 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 dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."