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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" 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 three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

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

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation 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 completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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