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

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages 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 three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for 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 speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged 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 did for me."