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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 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 competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe 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 go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to 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 disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."