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

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 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 retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene 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 documentary about his experiences.

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."