Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

"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 heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe 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 called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen 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 elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game 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.

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

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."