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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists 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've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."