Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" 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 a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

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

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

"It's 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 descent.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures 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 inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We 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 father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game 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 myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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