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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" 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 have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so pleased 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 view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."