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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 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 retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof 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 debut in February 2014.

"I've 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 normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"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 told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful 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 impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause 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 more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

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

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