Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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 issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."