Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature 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 exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture 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 building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."