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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, 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 simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

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

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased 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 career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. 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 sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field 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 share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

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

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."