Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment 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 substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

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 council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged 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."