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

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" 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 end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures 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 given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

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

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"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 others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."