Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause 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 perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."