Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so proud 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 ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared 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 obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."