Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

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

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

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

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

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."