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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted 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 myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn 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 referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"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 eyes, you have achieved so well. 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 film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."