Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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 issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

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

"My personal intentions 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 my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."