Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

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

"I have had several traumatic 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 disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm 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 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 disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."