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

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

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

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."