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

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

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

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 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 told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is 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 heritage.

"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 spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 elite level."

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

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

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

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

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

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."