Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying 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 professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

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

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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