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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation 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 occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story 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 great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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