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

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin 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 called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "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."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."