Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led 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 "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice 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 stated.

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen 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 professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," 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 ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister 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 under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared 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 sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."