Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."