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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

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

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable 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 called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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