Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal 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 sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough 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 win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue 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 malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."