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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority 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."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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