Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

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

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

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

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player 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 governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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