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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages 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 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 occurred," he explained to reporters.

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

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence 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 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"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 production of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress 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 doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."