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

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - 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 claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful 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.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."