Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

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

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

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate 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 "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success 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 proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We 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 family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

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

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."