Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" 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 a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this whole 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 said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

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

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

"It's 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 descent.

"Over 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 incorrect."

Burrell explains 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 wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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