Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

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

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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