Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is 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 harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, 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 production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."