Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"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.

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring 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 fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"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 others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."