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

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn 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 go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."