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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

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

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

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

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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 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 acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."