Sounding the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

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

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"This is 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 heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable 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 "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do 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 honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."