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

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led 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 "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof 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 earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn 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 speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," 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 eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."