Sounding the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, 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 simply accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"This is 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 think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

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

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary 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 son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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