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

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

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

"During 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 incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."