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

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games 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 continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

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

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

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

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," 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 career, but in our view, you have achieved 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 earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."