Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared 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.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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