Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby 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 explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised 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 personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed significant focus 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 experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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