Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

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

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures 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."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work 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 creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"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.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."