Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand 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 collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced 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 "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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