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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

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

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect 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 died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."