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

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

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

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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