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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"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 investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time 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 explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people 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."