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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" 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've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream 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 professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so proud 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 effect 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 family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

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

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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