Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted 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 suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction 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 prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."