Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out 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 bigger than me."

A sports organization 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 happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing 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"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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.

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told 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 elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

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

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."