Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing 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 have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, 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 father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

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

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."