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

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject 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 absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin 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 motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to 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 disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" 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 film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."