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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

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

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered 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 fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production 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 game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We 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 become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."