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

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."