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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"Over a period of time you just begin 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 go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect 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 family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, 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 accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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