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

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.

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

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable 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 called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

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

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help 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 sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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