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

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

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 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 happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised 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 learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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