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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

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

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

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body 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 media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised 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 myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just begin 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 eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby 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 trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved 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 earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."