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

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams 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 PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"We 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 impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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 reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep 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 underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."