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

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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