Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

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

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

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 achieved so well. 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 documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."