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

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told 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 eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."