Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

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

"During 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 nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."