Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

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

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called 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 culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud 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 playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

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

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."