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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 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 occurred," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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