Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually 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 chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."