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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

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

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "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 Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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 elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

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

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

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

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."