Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively 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 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged 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."