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

Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists 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 distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality 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 personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn 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 spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary 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 done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free 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 story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing 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 confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."