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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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