Sounding the alarm on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, 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 wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred 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 have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

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

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" 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 professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," 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 career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport 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 ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."