Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing 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 end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

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

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"This is 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.

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 well. We are so proud 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 died earlier this year.

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

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

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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