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

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During 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 incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

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

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."