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

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole situation 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 said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to 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 "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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