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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to continue 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 just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted 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 suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over 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 says he was eventually motivated 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 your shackles were."

The rugby authority 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 elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud 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 effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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