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

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations 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 rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

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

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."