Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard 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 team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You should 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 done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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