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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career 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 came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof 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 earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," 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.

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told 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 professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

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

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

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