Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."