Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

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

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union 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.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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