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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, 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 explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality 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 problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During 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 motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"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 discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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