Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

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

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing 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 explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen 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 culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."