Blowing the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

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

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"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 personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called 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 disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased 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 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 family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."