Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, 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 shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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