Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said 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 Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

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

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, 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 pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."