Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," 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 period of time 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 finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I 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 proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister 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 charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."