Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed 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've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

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

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

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

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress 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 explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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