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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

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

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

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

Racism had become normalised in team environments, 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 heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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 strategy for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."