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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject 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 retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."