Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, 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 explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You be so pleased 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 view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing 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 help them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition 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 fight 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 hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."