Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism 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 Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm 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 fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen 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 strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."