Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

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

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

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

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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