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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

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

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

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of 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 issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate 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 help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."