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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing 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 reporters.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome 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 gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

"During a period of time 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 says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," 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 playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."