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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed 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 definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced 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 distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, 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.

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

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

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

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

"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 father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"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 comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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