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

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively 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 debut in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," 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 fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," 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 eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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