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

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

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told 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 traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn 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 finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in 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 Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."