Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, 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 wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality 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 seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, 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 dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."