Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

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

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

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

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

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe 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 referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."