Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages 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 professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour 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 think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You should be so proud 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 career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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