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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing 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 absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"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.

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful 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 impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died 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 works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

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

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