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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive 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 training on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so pleased 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 impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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