Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains 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 revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," 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."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create 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 honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."