Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing 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 wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept 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 said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan 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 prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased 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 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 died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations 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 fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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