Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," 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 malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

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

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."