Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" 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 guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said 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 Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You be so proud 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 effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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