Sounding the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died 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, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions 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 doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"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 others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

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

"There's a lot of underprivileged 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."