Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely 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 fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some 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 suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard 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 fellow player 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 governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated 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 documentary about his experiences.

"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 son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

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 disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."