Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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 given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."