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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered 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 the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over 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 eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," 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 achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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