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

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough 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 earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

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

"During a extended period 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 eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player 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 professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."