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

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

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

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

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen 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 implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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