Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

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

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed 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 experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."