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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 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"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so pleased 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 effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

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

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."