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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward 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 acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved 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 become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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