Blowing the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened 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 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate 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 governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams 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 PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

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

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."