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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger 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 happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

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

"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 heritage.

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

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

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told 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 done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister 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 connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience 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 obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."