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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, 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 a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media 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've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."