Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

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

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually 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 your shackles were."

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

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight 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 sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."