Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," 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 finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. 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 documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."