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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing 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 wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period 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 eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free 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 experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."