Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, 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 told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We 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 discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."