Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

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

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

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

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."