Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted 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 personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" 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 professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended 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 father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, 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 sport more accessible.

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

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."