Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

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

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's 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 extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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 elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You be so pleased 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 eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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