Blowing the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish 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 poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."