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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed 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've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," 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 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 period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary 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 proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help 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 sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."