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

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing 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 absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to 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've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over 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 incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" 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 film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished 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 dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

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

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else 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 explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."