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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations 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 prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body 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 elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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