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

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look 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 diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."