Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, 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 media outlets.

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

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

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

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted 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 heritage.

"During 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 explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."