Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence 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 earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

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

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."