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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just 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 enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained 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 film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done 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 documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."