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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, 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've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That 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 rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced 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.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, 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 sun cream 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 professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help 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 sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."