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

Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

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

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport 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.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect 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 family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

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

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."