Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed 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 environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."