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

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

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

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

"This is 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 period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says 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 chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You 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 effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."