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

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with 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 accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations 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."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing 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 perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."