Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

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

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some 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 humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time 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 finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

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

All England players, including youth squads, are educated 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 documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."