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

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, 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 instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, 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 shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share 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 responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

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

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."