Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 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 retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

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

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger 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 told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

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

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."