Sounding the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some 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 dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told 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 introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend 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 documentary about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

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

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

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

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."