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

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

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

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

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted 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 descent.

"During a period of time you just learn 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 eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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