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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for 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 told reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation 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 own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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