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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud 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 earlier this year.

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

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

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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