Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's 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 heritage.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion 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 class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene 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.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended 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 dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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