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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for 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've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You should be so pleased 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 well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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