Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.

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

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" 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 professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"We 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 father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."