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

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

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

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important 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 revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations 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 considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences 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 recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."