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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

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

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists 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've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend 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 about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress 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 pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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