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

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm 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 referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, 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 died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport 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 myself," he said.

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

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."