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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" 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've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

Racism had become normalised 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 myself suffered and seen," 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 malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization 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 experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away 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 sport more accessible.

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

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"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 fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."