Sounding the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

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

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted 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 suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen 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 introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud 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 died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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