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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," 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 nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased 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 effect on you and finished your playing days, 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 dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."