Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient 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 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "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 professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress 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 sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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