Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, 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 elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

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

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

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 sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You 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 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 passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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