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

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing 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've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

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

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively 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 the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress 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 sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."