Blowing the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

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

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

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," 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 career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."