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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

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

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof 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've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During 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 motivated 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 chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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