Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so pleased 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 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 dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children 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."