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

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over 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 eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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 strategy for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in 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 effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."