Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

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

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time 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 says he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."