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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag 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 underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."