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

Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You should be so proud 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 ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."