Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, 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 wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced 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 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"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 experience.

"It's 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 learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased 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 impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

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

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

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