Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable 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 called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."