Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early 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 out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told 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 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated 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 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 impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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