Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, 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 occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

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

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

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains 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 wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport 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 strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist 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 game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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