Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."