Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've 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 accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

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

Burrell says 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 sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in 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 about his experiences.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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