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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally 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 accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"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.

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player 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 rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."