Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively 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 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures 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 considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing 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."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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, 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 on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."