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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told 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 elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount 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 clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

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

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."