Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed 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 environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

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

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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