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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists 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 England camp," he said.

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should 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 finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."