Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" 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 end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved 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 sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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