Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, 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 hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream 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 elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary 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 done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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 sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."