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

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "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 introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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