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

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing 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 occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just begin 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 eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You 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 impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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