Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", 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 international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You be so pleased 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 effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

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

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."