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

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"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.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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