Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances 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 pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 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"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream 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 professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

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

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."