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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject 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 absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," 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 experience.

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level 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 great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"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 become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."