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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, 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 professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film 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 much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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