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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended 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 soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."