Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing 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 game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish 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 believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."