Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

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

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important 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 told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out 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 revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

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

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

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film 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 proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, 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 persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are 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 did for me."