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

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect 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.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."