Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

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 a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."