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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought 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 "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some 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 disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

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

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You should 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 effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, 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 filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that fight 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 speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."