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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over 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 nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I 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 died soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

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

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight 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 talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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