Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course 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 accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality 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 issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard 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 team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored 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 damaging conduct.

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

"We 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 proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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