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

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 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 occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing 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 both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."