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

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 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 retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated 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 disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, 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 dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."