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

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour 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 think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to 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 environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You should be so proud 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 effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"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 comfortable others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."