Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn 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 speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

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

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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