Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing 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 have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple 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"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 view.

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

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called 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 professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful 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 finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

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

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people 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."