Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That 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 rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During 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 says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

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

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

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

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."