Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality 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 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 says he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene 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 film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop 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 sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."