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

Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering 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 three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media 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've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," 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 nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body 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 given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated 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 about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."