Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively 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 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

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

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."