Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."