Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period 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 fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed 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 implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

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

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in 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 about his experiences.

"We 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 proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."