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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 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 retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

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

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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 issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished 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 passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."