Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally 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 your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

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

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."