Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic 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 view.

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During 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 spurred 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 arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture 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 the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture 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 creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

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

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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