Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period 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 eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen 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 strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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