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

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've 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 news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred 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 your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished 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 dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."