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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"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.

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

"During a extended period you just begin 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 spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" 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 film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed 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 died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."