Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

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

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is 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 learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "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 considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal 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 teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend 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.

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. 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 sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing 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 succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."