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

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

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

At that time 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 end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During 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 incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing 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 transform their lives, just as it did for me."