Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

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

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

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" 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 "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared 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 acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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