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

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"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 family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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