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

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition 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 continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

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

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."