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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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