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

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject 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 have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend 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.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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