Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary 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 dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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