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

Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering 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 definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

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

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed 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 elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."