Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

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

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

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

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

"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."