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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 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 end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with 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 allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

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

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "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 implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

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

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

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation 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 sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."