Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose 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 remembering 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other 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 dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

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

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight 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 longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children 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."