Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby 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 media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free 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 persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

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

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."