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

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity 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 class discrimination," it continued.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon 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 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."