Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable 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 told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."