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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

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

At that time 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 occurred," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test 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 some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

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

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

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."