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

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word 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 report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"I know it has had this impact 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 father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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