Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to 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 disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."