Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin 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 motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so proud 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 effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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