Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called 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 disclosures 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."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."