Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an early end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced 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 malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told 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 implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished 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 filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."