Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains 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 wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, 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 filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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