Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

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

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny 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 inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming 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 game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."