Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing 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 have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

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

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters 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 acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

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

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep 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 think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."