Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering 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 have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is 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 heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin 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 chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."