Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just begin 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 eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

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

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."