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

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" 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 definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply 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 claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"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 nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."