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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, 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 witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was finally 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 wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize 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 effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You 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 achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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