Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," 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 inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

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

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing 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."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene 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 film about his experiences.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed 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 passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"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."