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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed 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 implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should 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 impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon 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 young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."