Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised 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 myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard 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 team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story 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 talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue 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 disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."