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

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn 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 eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

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

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

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

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, 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 father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

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

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive 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 ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."