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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 view.

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."