Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

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

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," 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 harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should 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 view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

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

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

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

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."