Blowing the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

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

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

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm 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 "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level 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 substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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