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

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

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

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm 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 your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud 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 career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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