Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"This is 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.

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told 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 elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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