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

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

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

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

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

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut 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"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud 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 career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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