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

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

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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 issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn 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 motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

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

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"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 impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."