Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard 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 "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "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 implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have done," 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 career, 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 died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

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

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."