Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," 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 harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen 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 action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."