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

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries 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 report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time 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 says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive 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 education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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