Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - 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 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine 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 referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

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

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."