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

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively 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 win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

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

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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