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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

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

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene 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 film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."