Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic 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 disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn 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 eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

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

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect 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 father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."