Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told 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 implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment 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 inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect 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 family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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