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

Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised 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 myself suffered and seen," 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 fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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