Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering 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 a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter 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 standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

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

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

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

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"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 confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

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

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."