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

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"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 explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended 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 soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."