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

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"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 period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, 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 connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."