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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

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

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic 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 experience.

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed 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 culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

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

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."