Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 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 occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," 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 fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

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

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

"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.

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."