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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications 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 professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have done," 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 playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."