Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

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

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."