Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told 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 inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"We has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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