Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career 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 exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, 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 occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other 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 dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so pleased 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 ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."