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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."