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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

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

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

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

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

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

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

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

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."