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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body 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 elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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