Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Burrell

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. 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 film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game 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 grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop 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 honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."