Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted 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 descent.

"Over 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 explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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 action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 family member."

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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