Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

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

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

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

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 problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

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

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work 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 building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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