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

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."