Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" 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 three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole 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 said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard 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 referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"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 impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, 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 film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."