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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career 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 exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen 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 elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, 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 dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."