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

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered 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 several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"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 problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player 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 culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

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

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."