Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."