Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority 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 professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."