Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

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

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"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 impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

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

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."