Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

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

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so pleased 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 ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."