Blowing the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for 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 happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally 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 culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly 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 culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"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 done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight 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 speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."