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

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

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

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

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

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

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud 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 effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."