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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, 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 a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations 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 rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen 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 introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."