Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" 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 retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

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

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful 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.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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