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

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing 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 told media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's 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 norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream 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 elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away 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 children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share 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 sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."