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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging 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 effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

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

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

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."