Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"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.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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