Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

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

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have done," 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 finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

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

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."