Blowing the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly 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 culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"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 transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."