Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, 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 professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up 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 both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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