Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

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

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

"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 heritage.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

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

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, 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 was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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