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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin 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 finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, 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 Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this effect 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 father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."