Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered 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.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"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 heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player 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 "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," 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 view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."