Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

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

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"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 son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share 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 talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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