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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up 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 learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance 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 longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."