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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey 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 exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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.

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard 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 referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact 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 son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."