Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, 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 told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."