Blowing the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof 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 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," 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"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 experience.

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public 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 your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We 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."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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