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

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority 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."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You 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 impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing 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 speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."