Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player 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 governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause 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 longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."