Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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