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

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," 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 experience.

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions 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 fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."