Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

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

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

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

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

"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 learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

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

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."