Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

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

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, 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 descent.

"Over a period of time 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 says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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