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

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over 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 nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. 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 died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."