Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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 myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to think 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 go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" 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 environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

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

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."