Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion 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.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact 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 father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."