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

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

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

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

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

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, 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 dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

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

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."