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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, 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 witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over 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 says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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