Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" 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 guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public 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 chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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