Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

Racism had become accepted in team environments, 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 descent.

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight 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 sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."