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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time 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 finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 ended your career, 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 father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."