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

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

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" 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 have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news 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 whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other 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 humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time 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 go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing 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."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."