Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an premature 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 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 absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively 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 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over 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 go public 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 revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We 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 discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."