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

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, 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 production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."