Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively 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 first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

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

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."