Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised as banter 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 learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally 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 arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."