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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time 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 explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures 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 considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."