Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Burrell

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

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" 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 elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen 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 given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities 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 think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."