Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" 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 documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done 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 documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."