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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

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

Then 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 went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply 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 "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity 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 continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect 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 about his experiences.

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

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."