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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally 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 acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

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

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 action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene 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 about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing 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's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."