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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature 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 without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success 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 conduct.

"You be so proud 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 effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create 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 honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."