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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"I have had several distressing 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 view.

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture 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 rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."