Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

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

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."