Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important 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 enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."