Blowing the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

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

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

"During a extended period 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 eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to 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 revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, 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 documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."