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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

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

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

"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 descent.

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."