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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing 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 have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

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

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

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

"During a extended period 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 explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body 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 professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union 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 continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game 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 great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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