Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word 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 more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 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 journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."