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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised 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 myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player 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 rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

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

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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