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

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

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

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple 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 banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

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

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

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

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

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

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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