Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized 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 out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed 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 culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."