Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described 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 guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."