Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe 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 team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," 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 sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are 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 transformed things for me."