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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some 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 disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak 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 flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."