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

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team 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 competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You should 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.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"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 lives, just as it did for me."