Burrell: 'I hoped to continue my rugby career'
Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.
"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in November 2022
