Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, 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 hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, 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 extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, 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 filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance 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 advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."