Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

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

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter 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 begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, 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 sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, 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 father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared 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 obligation 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 discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."