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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually 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 arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

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

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

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

"We 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 proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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 under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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