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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised 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 think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated 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 revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion 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 ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

All England players, including age-grade 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 film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect 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 shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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