Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter 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 think that it's the norm 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 team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed 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 "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."