Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

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

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances 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 carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

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 sunscreen 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 elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, 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 charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."