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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other 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 disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."