Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

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

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures 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 given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" 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 film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."