Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children 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."