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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," 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 malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You should 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 ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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