Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

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

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

Then 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 went on," he told reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During 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 nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in 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.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience 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 sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."