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

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for 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 absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

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

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 view.

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player 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 disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have done," 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 much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming 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 open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."