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

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" 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 guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to 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 environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."