Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing 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 have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

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

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

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, 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 father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."