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

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think 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 fellow player at Newcastle referred to 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 culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

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

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," 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 confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

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

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."