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

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

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing 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 definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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 strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged 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 progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."