Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation 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 categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before 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 work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."