Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my professional journey - Burrell

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

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

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

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" 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 "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so pleased 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 ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight 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 talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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