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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 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"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, 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 fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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