Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, 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 happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally 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 fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally 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 chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children 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."