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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof 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 have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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 issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

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

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."