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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept 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 "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

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 sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

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

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."