Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

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

Then 34 and without a team, 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 went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, 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 said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," 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 finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."