Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof 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 win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

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

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

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

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

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

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

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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