Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished 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 died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

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

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."