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

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

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

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news 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 process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."