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

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages 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 professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. 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 documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution 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 pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."