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

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - 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 accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself 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 acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

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

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 action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, 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 cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."