Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

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

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

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

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

Racism had become accepted 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 personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

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

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

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged 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."