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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

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

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

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

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."