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

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

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

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since 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 inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

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

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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