Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" 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 guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

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

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof 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 earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon 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, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."