Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

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

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

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

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

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

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport 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 change their lives, just as it did for me."