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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a extended period 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 says 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 arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

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

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

"We 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 discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."