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

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"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 period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told 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 eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."