Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public 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 culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

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

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," 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 career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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