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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept 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 "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."