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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"It's 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 heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority 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 elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked 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 conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."