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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

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

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred 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 first game in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"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 others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."