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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

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

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority 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."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, 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 soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."