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

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

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You should be so proud 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 effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My 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 fight 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 more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."