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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose 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 digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself 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 incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."