Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

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

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

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

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."