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

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications 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 a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed 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 implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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 social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."