Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

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

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

At that time 34 and without a team, 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 told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard 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 called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production 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 reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."