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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed 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 culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.

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

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist 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 game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

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

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