Sounding the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby 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, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation 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 claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others 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 obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing 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 create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."