Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic 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"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 view.

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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