Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple 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"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 experience.

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority 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 elite level."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, 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 soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."