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

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures 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."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact 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 son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."