Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

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

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved 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 passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

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

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