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 expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, 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 professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several 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 dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," 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 finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done 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 film, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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