Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."