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

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" 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 guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

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

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some 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 dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

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

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works 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 intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."