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

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" 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 guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

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

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's 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.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public 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 governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before 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 professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue 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 great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."