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

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

"Over a extended period you just learn 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 eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done 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 sister died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."