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

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"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 incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player 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 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 strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved 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 discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."