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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen 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 culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved 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 feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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