Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted 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 experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"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 explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen 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 strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

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

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."