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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing 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 retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. 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 film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."