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

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims 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 prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."