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

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" 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 absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively 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 win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period 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 explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," 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 ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

"I 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 family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for 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 longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."