Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing 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 have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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 issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."