Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to 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 February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended 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 film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

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

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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