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

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations 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 fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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