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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing 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've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution 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 doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."