Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report 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 told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

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

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

"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.

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" 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 culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story 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 talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."