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

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour 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 begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable 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 referred to 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 environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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