Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, 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 went on," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished 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 passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, 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 said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep 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 disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."