Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" 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 a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

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

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn 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 speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged 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."