Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted 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 suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable 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 "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "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 placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."