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

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering 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 have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively 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 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered 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 malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should 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.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"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 transformed things for me."