Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have done," 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 proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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