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

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

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

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

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

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We 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 proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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