Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"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 impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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