Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

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

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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