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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority 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 focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, 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 filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing 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 become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."