Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 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 explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," 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 fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film 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 much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game 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 change their futures, just as it did for me."