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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed 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 absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen 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 placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, 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 father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."