Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem 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 says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great 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 bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep 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 underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."