Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Luther Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, 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 seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

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

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

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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