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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 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 definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation 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 claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

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

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing 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."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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