Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.

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

At that time 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 retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation 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 proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."