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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation 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 told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, 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 instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."