Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued 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 fate and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."