Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing 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've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to 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 environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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