Sounding the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

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

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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 problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" 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 documentary about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."