Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

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

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up 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 standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, 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 sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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