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

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering 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 a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut 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 dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," 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 malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated 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 wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended 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 shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring 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 advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

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

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."