Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

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

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud 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 sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."