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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several 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 myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate 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 governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

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

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud 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 ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."