Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept 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 true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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 experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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 professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect 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 family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, 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 advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."