Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."