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

Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period 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 team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."