Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to media 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 traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."