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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically 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 have had multiple traumatic 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.

"This is 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 descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures 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."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do 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 sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."