Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

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

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

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

"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 nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally 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 chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."