Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages 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 professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

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

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing 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.

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

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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