Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept 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 true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard 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 called him as a "enslaved person" 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 introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."