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

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," 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 incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

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

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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