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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling 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 a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since 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 work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."