Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, 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.

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

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

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

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

"You be so proud 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 ended your playing days, but in our eyes, 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 filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."