Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

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

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution 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 doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."