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

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

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

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

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

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

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 problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, 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 told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"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 impact on you and finished your playing days, 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 filming of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."