Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing 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 end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny 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 inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal 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 advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."