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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of 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 dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," 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 nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, 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 passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

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

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved 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 sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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