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

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with 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 said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR 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 step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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