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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing 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 have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced 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 acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion 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.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You 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.

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

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

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

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

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."