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

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" 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 explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

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

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."