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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 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 happened," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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 elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended 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 dad Geoff died soon 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 sport 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, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."