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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby 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 really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

Every 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 athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should 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 impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist 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 sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

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

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."