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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually 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 introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish 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 rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."