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

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

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

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," 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 says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed 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 action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished 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 dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

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

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