Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told media 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 several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture 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 inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked 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 be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing 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 perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."