Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."