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

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

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

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

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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