Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

"It's 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 descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished 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 father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."