Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

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

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

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's 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.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished 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 dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."