Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, 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 wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media 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've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised 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 experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film 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 done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

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

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."