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

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

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

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

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

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

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time 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 spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"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 effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing 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 feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."