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

Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually 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 "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect 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 father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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