Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."