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

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's 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 heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, 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 passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."