Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

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

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, 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 hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That 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 investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated 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 documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

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

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."