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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed 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 elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress 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 doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport 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 need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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