Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."