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

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"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.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream 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 elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

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

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You 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 finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing 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 on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, 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 myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."